Is CNT just another union?

CNT is different. Direct democracy is a vital part of who we are. We define that kind of democracy as one where the people who make the decisions are the ones directly affected by them. Our statutes ensure that in a union the assembly has the final word and in the assembly everyone's words carry the same weight. If you have your reasons, you'll be able to decide the path you will take. CNT is a union organization in which decisions are made from the ground up, where people participate, where there are no leaders and where we are completely free and on equal standing in the exchange of ideas, opinions and initiatives. In CNT we're all equal and no one earns a wage to represent the workers.

CNT was founded in 1910 and some of its achievements include the struggles that gave us the 8-hour day, a day of rest on Saturday, paid vacations, sick leave, retirement and unemployment benefits and the obligatory hiring of those unemployed. It pushed rent strikes. It founded schools, libraries and publishing houses. It fought fascism. Last but not least, it collectivized land and industry in 1936, sparking one of the most profound social transformations to be seen in the history of Europe in the 20th century.